Circulation Policies
| Responsible Office | Date adopted | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| Access Services | Aug 25, 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 |
Policy
Most items borrowed from Herman B Wells Library and other campus locations are subject to standard circulation policies, as detailed below. Certain aspects of these policies, such as loan periods and fines, vary by borrower type.
Some materials in special collections and branch libraries on the Bloomington campus are subject to different circulation policies specific to their respective locations. These frequently include shorter loan periods and limited renewals.
Some materials in our collections are non-circulating, although patrons can still access them. These include reserve materials, items in archival collections, and items in the Lilly Library collection.
Loan Periods by Borrower Type
| Faculty | 120 days |
| Staff | 120 days |
| Graduate Students | 120 days |
| Undergraduate Students | 45 days |
| Indiana Residents | 30 days |
Overdue Items and Fines
Fines are issued for items that are 50 days overdue. Generally, charges break down as follows:
| Billing fee | $5 |
| Database adjustment fee | $2 |
| Unreturned item fee | $100+ (varies based upon value of item) |
In most cases bills are adjusted to the billing fee ($5.00) when billed material is returned within one calendar year of the date of billing. Billing intervals and rates vary for recalls and special loans. Bills and fines amounts are transferred to the Bursar's Office for collection. Borrowers with excessive overdue material, large outstanding bill/fine balances, or who show contempt for Library policies may be blocked from further use of the Libraries or may face legal action. Replacement copies are not accepted for lost or billed items.
Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy; failing to receive an overdue notice does not absolve a borrower from responsibility should they receive a bill or fine. Library users are responsible for maintaining accurate address information with the University and its agents (i.e. the Libraries). For normal loans an overdue notice is sent seven days past the due date and again 30 days past the due date.
You may appeal an overdue fine for materials borrowed from Wells Library Media Services (e.g. DVDs, VHS tapes, videogames, etc.) if you wish to dispute the charges. There is no formal fine appeal process for other materials; if you have questions, please contact the Libraries' Access Services Department.
Material Exceptions
- 14 day loan
- 2 renewals
- Overdue fines apply to all borrowers
- Browsing Collection Videos and DVDs: 7 day loan, 1 renewal
- Language and Audio CDs: 14 day loan, 1 renewal
- Audiocassettes and CD-ROMS: check with Media Services
- Reference materials
- Reserve materials
- Current and bound periodicals
- Microfiche